Blackpool Takes Action to Tackle “Deaths of Despair” Amid Rise in Substance Abuse
The Road to Recovery
Blackpool, a seaside town in northern England, is unfortunately plagued by a high rate of preventable fatalities associated with alcohol, drug abuse, and suicide, often referred to by health researchers as “deaths of despair.” Recently, concerns have grown as the rate of these deaths in Blackpool has reached alarming levels.
One individual affected by this epidemic is Paul Earnshaw, a 40-year-old struggling with alcohol addiction. In his courageous quest to break free from this debilitating disease, Paul is about to embark on a rigorous detoxification program, followed by a potentially six-month-long rehabilitation journey.
“Hugging my mum again. I’d love that. That would be special,” Paul emotionally shared, tears streaming down his face.
The enormity of Paul’s battle ahead is not lost on him. Sitting in the Blackpool offices of the charity Empowerment, he reflects on his circumstances and the determination to overcome them. “I need to do it. I won’t let nobody down. I won’t let myself down,” he asserts.
“Deaths of Despair” Rising in Blackpool
Blackpool has gained notoriety for having the highest rate of “deaths of despair” in England. According to research, for every 100,000 deaths in Blackpool, approximately 83.8 are classified as such. This disheartening statistic demonstrates the urgent need for intervention and support within the community.
Steven Brown, a senior member of the Empowerment team who has lived a life similar to Paul’s, recalls the cycle of addiction and hardships he endured. “I was stuck in that revolving door cycle that I couldn’t get out [of],” Steven shared.
Blackpool’s “deaths of despair” underscore a wider issue of social inequalities. Being from a working-class background, having a manual job, lower levels of education, and residing in the north are all additional risk factors that further contribute to the problem.
Christine Camacho, an author who has extensively researched deaths of despair, explains how structural inequalities exacerbate this crisis. “The UK is a wealthy country, but it’s also quite an unfair country – our resources are not equally distributed. And deaths of despair are one avoidable consequence of that unequal distribution,” she emphasizes.
Breaking the Cycle
In response to the escalating issue, the Empowerment charity, together with social workers, the town council, and the local National Health Service (NHS), is taking action to provide support and hope to those battling addiction and homelessness in Blackpool.
The Empowerment team, consisting of 25 dedicated members, works tirelessly to offer practical assistance in finding housing, healthcare, and support for vulnerable individuals. They also concentrate on the prevention of overdoses, supplying the life-saving drug Naloxone, which has saved countless lives.
In addition to providing immediate aid, the support workers at Empowerment establish trusting relationships with individuals whose lives have been consumed by chaos, offering a glimmer of hope and a helping hand to guide them toward a brighter future.
Kate, a woman who found herself pregnant, homeless, and trapped in addiction, attributes her triumph over adversity to the unwavering support of her Empowerment worker. “It was the change and the support from these guys that got me to where I am today, as well as myself. If it hadn’t been for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Kate gratefully admits.
Wealthy but Unequal: Tackling Deep-Rooted Inequalities
The persisting issue of “deaths of despair” in Blackpool underscores the deeply rooted, unequal distribution of resources in the UK. Factors such as geographical location, socioeconomic status, and education continue to compound this societal challenge.
However, by harnessing the collective determination and resources of organizations like Empowerment, local authorities, and healthcare professionals, the Blackpool community strives to break the cycles of addiction, reduce the tragic loss of life, and foster a more equal society for all.
